Explore the Best Croissants in Paris

France’s most in-demand viennoiserie and a buttery, flaky emblem of the country – the croissant needs little introduction. Laminated to perfection at numerous top-flight boulangeries and stellar pâtisseries, the crescent-shaped pastry is a shortcut to the Parisian experience. However, for croissant-seeking travelers, the challenge lies in finding the best versions.

Consequently, the croissant has spawned more spin-offs than any other pastry, beginning with the cronut, the storied doughnut-croissant hybrid created by chef Dominique Ansel. Since then, hybrid creations with playful names, such as the cruffin and crombolini, have energised the Paris pâtisserie scene. Currently, the latest attraction is the crookie. Whether you prefer traditional varieties or are willing to explore rarer options, here are the most talked-about croissants in town.

Maison Louvard

Must-Try: the crookie

While it may not win any beauty contests, the crookie has become a sensation on social media. Invented by Stéphane Louvard in 2022, this croissant-cookie hybrid combines croissants filled with chocolate chip cookie dough. Two years later, demand surged after a viral TikTok post, leading the bakery to produce up to 2,000 crookies each day. Moreover, Maison Louvard’s croissants have often topped the city’s best lists. The crookie is crafted from high-quality ingredients, including Xoco Gourmet’s Mayan Red chocolate and premium Charentais butter. Notably, it requires three days to make, which contributes to its price tag of €5.90 – a premium, yet essentially a two-for-one indulgence.

Address: 11 Rue de Châteaudun, 75009 Paris

Boulangerie Utopie

Must-Try: sourdough croissants

Founded by two former Maison Ladurée pâtissiers, Boulangerie Utopie is reshaping the bakery landscape in Paris. Known for their innovative offerings, the bakery’s croissants, available in chocolate and almond variations, stand out. Their unique sourdough croissant begins with tangy Mointagu butter, followed by the addition of a sourdough starter for a delightful balance of softness inside and crispiness outside. However, plan to arrive early, as supplies are limited despite its local popularity.

Address: 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris

The French Bastards

Must-Try: the chocolate cruffin

Behind this lively mini-empire of six locations are three friends who, yearning for French pastries during extended periods abroad, returned to create their own culinary haven. While traditionalists may be shocked, this bakery reinvents classic pastries, adding modern flair—evident in their “cruffin,” a croissant styled as a muffin. The standout item is the chocolate cruffin, featuring chocolate-laminated dough filled with molten dark chocolate ganache. This bakery successfully mixes innovation with tradition, pleasing those who enjoy a contemporary twist.